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Description

Step into a realm of sonic excellence with the Fender Showmaster, a guitar that embodies the spirit of innovation while staying true to Fender's legendary craftsmanship. Tailored for the contemporary musician, this electric guitar boasts a sleek, carved maple top on a select alder body, delivering not just stunning visuals but also a rich, resonant tone. Equipped with a Seymour Duncan Trembucker and two Custom Shop Fat '50s single-coil pickups, the Showmaster offers a versatile tonal palette, making it perfect for both studio sessions and live performances.

Crafted with a set neck design featuring a modern "C" shape, the Showmaster ensures comfort and precision across its rosewood fingerboard. The guitar's 22 medium-jumbo frets and abalone dot inlays add a touch of elegance and superior playability. With a two-point synchronized tremolo, you can explore dynamic pitch bends and dive bombs, while the Sperzel Trim-Lok tuners and LSR roller nut maintain perfect tuning stability.

Whether you're delivering searing leads or lush chords, the Showmaster's five-way blade switch unlocks a world of tonal possibilities, from the warm humbucker growl to the sparkling single-coil clarity. This guitar is a testament to Fender's ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge features, making it a formidable choice for guitarists looking to push musical boundaries.

Key Features:

  • Select alder body with a carved maple top
  • Seymour Duncan Trembucker and two Fat '50s single-coil pickups
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets
  • Modern "C" shape maple set neck with abalone dot inlays
  • Two-point synchronized tremolo with pop-in arm
  • Five-position blade switch for versatile sound options
  • Sperzel Trim-Lok tuning machines and LSR roller nut

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender Showmaster have?

The Fender Showmaster is equipped with two Fender Fat '50s single-coil pickups and one Seymour Duncan '59 Trembucker, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.

How does the neck of the Fender Showmaster feel for playability?

The Fender Showmaster features a lightly figured maple neck with 22 medium-jumbo frets, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What makes the Fender Showmaster's tremolo system unique?

The Fender Showmaster includes a deluxe 2-point synchronized tremolo, which allows for smoother pitch modulation and greater tuning stability compared to traditional tremolo systems.

Is the Fender Showmaster suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Fender Showmaster's combination of quality pickups, a carved figured maple top, and Sperzel Trim-Lok tuners make it suitable for advanced players seeking a reliable and versatile guitar.

What is the body material of the Fender Showmaster?

The Fender Showmaster features an alder body with a carved figured maple top, providing a balanced tone with enhanced resonance and sustain.

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

2005 Fender Showmaster (Korea) electric guitar

Video thumbnail for 2005 Fender Showmaster (Korea) electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

2005 Fender Showmaster (Korea) electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for 2005 Fender Showmaster Set Neck | Guitar Demo by Ten Guitars TV

2005 Fender Showmaster Set Neck | Guitar Demo

Ten Guitars TV

Ten Guitars TV

Video thumbnail for Amazing Fender Showmaster Made in Korea with hard case by WelcomeGuitars

Amazing Fender Showmaster Made in Korea with hard case

WelcomeGuitars

WelcomeGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Showmaster.

Build quality

  • The Showmaster features unique "locking" tuners that self-lock while tuning, a rare design not commonly found on other guitars.

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Features and functionality

  • The Pearly Gates Plus bridge pickup was made exclusively for Fender, offering distinct clarity but not a high output, which some users suggest replacing with a JB humbucker for more power.

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  • The Showmaster has a 15.75" radius neck, which is noted for enhancing playability, especially for solos.

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  • The Showmaster was originally designed by John Suhr, contributing to its forward-thinking aesthetic and modern features for the time.

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Setup and maintenance

  • One owner replaced the nut due to noise issues when using the tremolo bar, despite a recent setup and nut cleaning.

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Comparisons

  • Some compare its quality to high-grade Korean neck-through builds, akin to ESP Horizons, highlighting the Showmaster's impressive durability and playability.

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  • Owners compare the Showmaster to PRS guitars due to its finish, arched top, and colored headstock, suggesting a design aimed at competing with PRS.

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User experience

  • Owners frequently mention their long-term satisfaction, with some stating they prefer it over more traditional Fender models like the American Strat.

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  • A user reported buying a Showmaster for $300 and finding it their favorite guitar, highlighting its unexpected quality and playability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users have swapped the stock bridge pickup for Seymour Duncan Alternative 8 and Custom 5 models for enhanced tonal versatility.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite its modern specs, including a set-thru neck and 24 frets, the Showmaster appeals to players seeking a versatile guitar suitable for various styles.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
R

Total Workhorse

An extremely solid guitar for any guitarist seeking something that will rock the house. The Showmaster is a discontinued Fender model from when they were trying to branch out into the Ibanez range of guitars. They discontinued the model because Fender players did not have a desire to play an Ibanez type guitar, they liked to stick with what Fender had been making for so many years, Strats and Teles. But despite that, this guitar is a workhorse, and totally unique! Pros: Solid guitar for metal, hard rock, or just pain rock. Thin neck great for solos and getting around the neck fast. Great look. The bridge isn't as difficult to mess with as a Strat bridge. Cons: Stock pickups and tuners are going to need to be changed out. Personally i love this guitar and would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique rock workhorse! Hope this helps!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andra Ramadhan uses Fender Showmaster

Andra Ramadhan

Guitarist

Dewa 19

...
Verified via YouTube

Andra can be seen using orange Fender Showmaster.

See how Lao Wu uses Fender Showmaster

Lao Wu

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Bilibili

At 1:52 in the attached video, Lao Wu talks about his Fender Showmaster, purchased about seven years prior to when the video was made. His particular version has a black finish, a 24-fret neck, dot inlays, and a Floyd Rose bridge. Lao Wu states that he swapped out the pickups for DiMarzios. Using a knife, he carved some etchings into the face of the guitar for aesthetic purposes.

Lao Wu can be seen playing the guitar - then without the knife etchings - at an outdoor concert on 20 August 2004, held in Beijing to cheer on the Chinese athletes participating in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Showmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Gear IQ 93

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